Cables and cords, oh my!

By Patty Packrat

Posted:
04/05/2014 10:55:29 PM MDT

Question: Over the years whenever I purchase an electronic device they usually come with several cables that are needed to make the unit operate. I have accumulated several cables and now I have many more than I need. A friend of mine told me that I should just throw them away since even the recycling center will not accept them anymore. Is this true? What do you suggest?

Answer: Every U.S. Best Buy store has kiosks, just inside the front doors, to drop off ink and toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, and wires, cords and cables, plastic bags and gift cards at no charge. (From the Best Buy website.)

April 22 is the official date for Earth Day this year. Patty would like to share some tips and ideas each week in celebration and encourage readers to make every day Earth Day.

• Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the light bulbs in them with Energy Star-qualified products and you will help the environment while saving $70 a year on energy bills. Energy Star lighting provides bright, warm light; generates 75 percent less heat; uses about 75 percent less energy than standard lighting; and lasts from 10 to 50 times longer.

An anonymous reader recently left a phone message suggesting that no one took the Ask Patty column seriously because of the photo attached. Patty Packrat is the "spokesrat" for the Garbage Garage at the Larimer County Landfill and she looks forward to receiving and answering questions from readers. Please send to: rwatson@larimer.org or phone 970-498-5772.